The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 has witnessed not just intense cricketing battles on the field but also a fresh political controversy off it. Former Pakistan women’s captain and now commentator Sana Mir has found herself in the middle of a storm after referring to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as “Azad Kashmir” during live commentary in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match.
Her remarks triggered a massive backlash on social media, especially from Indian fans, who accused her of deliberately using the politically sensitive phrase. Later, Mir issued a clarification, saying her comments were “misinterpreted” and had no political intent.
What Exactly Happened?
During commentary, while introducing Pakistani cricketer Natalia Pervaiz, Mir said:
“Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore, a lot of cricket. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.”
The choice of words “Azad Kashmir” — a term used by Pakistan for the region that India considers its illegally occupied territory (PoK) — drew immediate criticism. Indian fans and commentators argued that using such terms on an international broadcast was an attempt to politicize cricket.
Social Media Backlash
The comment went viral within minutes. Indian users on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms strongly objected, stating:
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“There is no ‘Azad Kashmir’, it’s PoK – Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.”
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“Sports should not be used as a platform for propaganda.”
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“Sana Mir should apologise for her irresponsible commentary.”
Some users also pointed out that commentators have a responsibility to remain neutral, especially during global tournaments where every word is scrutinized.
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Sana Mir’s Clarification
Facing mounting criticism, Sana Mir posted a detailed clarification on Thursday evening. She insisted her words had been misrepresented and that her intent was purely about storytelling in sports commentary.
Her Statement:
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She explained that her reference came directly from ESPNcricinfo’s player profile, which at the time listed Natalia’s origin as “Azad Kashmir.”
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Mir emphasised:
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“It’s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion. My comment about a player’s hometown was only meant to highlight her challenges and journey. Please don’t politicise it.”
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She reiterated that as a commentator, her role is to focus on the sport, teams, and players, not politics.
Mir even attached a screenshot of ESPNcricinfo’s page as proof of her research source, while acknowledging that the description had since been updated.
Why the Term “Azad Kashmir” is Controversial?
The terminology itself is the root of the controversy:
| Term Used | India’s Stand | Pakistan’s Stand | International View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azad Kashmir | India rejects it; considers it misleading propaganda | Pakistan uses it to suggest the region is “free” | Not officially recognized by UN or most nations |
| PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) | India’s official and legal term | Pakistan rejects it | Neutral stance maintained by most countries |
Thus, when a former player of Sana Mir’s stature used “Azad Kashmir” on an international feed, it carried political undertones whether intended or not.
India–Pakistan Cricketing Tensions
The controversy comes at a time when India–Pakistan relations in cricket are already tense due to worsening diplomatic ties.
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After the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which killed several Indian civilians, India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation.
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In the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian men’s cricket team refused to shake hands with Pakistani players and declined to collect the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also a Pakistani minister.
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The Indian women’s cricket team is reportedly preparing to follow the same protocol when they face Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup group stage match on October 5.
Thus, Mir’s comments — whether intentional or not — added more fuel to an already fragile cricketing relationship.
Reactions from Experts
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Indian Analysts: Many believe commentators should exercise caution. One Indian broadcaster noted, “Global commentary should stick to cricket facts. Using politically loaded terms undermines neutrality.”
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Pakistani Media: Some defended Mir, saying she was only quoting official sources and that India was unnecessarily politicizing a sporting comment.
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Neutral Voices: Independent journalists stressed the importance of platforms like the ICC ensuring commentators remain sensitive to political disputes.
Sports vs Politics – The Bigger Debate
The controversy once again highlights a long-standing issue: can sports, especially cricket between India and Pakistan, ever be kept free of politics?
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Pro-Politics Argument: Some argue that when territorial disputes are unresolved, cricket cannot be insulated from political reality.
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Anti-Politics Argument: Others believe that cricket should be a bridge for peace and unity, not a battleground for political narratives.
Unfortunately, incidents like this show that even one word can escalate into a diplomatic flashpoint.
What Next?
While Sana Mir has issued her clarification, the incident is unlikely to fade quickly given the sensitive timing. With the India vs Pakistan women’s World Cup clash scheduled on October 5, emotions are already running high.
The ICC (International Cricket Council) has not released an official statement yet, but experts suggest the global body may issue a gentle advisory to commentators to avoid politically sensitive terminology.
Conclusion
The Sana Mir “Azad Kashmir” controversy is more than just a slip of the tongue — it reflects how deeply politics and sports are intertwined in South Asia.
For Sana Mir, the episode may simply be a case of referencing a wrong source, but for millions of fans across India and Pakistan, the words carried strong political implications.
At a time when cricket should ideally unite, such controversies only highlight the fragility of sporting ties between the two nations. As the Women’s World Cup progresses, players and commentators alike will be under pressure to focus on cricket, not politics.
